A Theory of the Constituent Elements of Functions

DS 58-2: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol. 2, Design Theory and Research Methodology, Palo Alto, CA, USA, 24.-27.08.2009

Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Fantoni, Gualtiero; Apreda, Riccardo; Bonaccorsi, Andrea
Series: ICED
Section: Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s): 179-190

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present a new proposal for functional analysis. The approach here presented is the first step towards a novel methodology called FAB (functional analysis breakdown) where the fundamental constituents of functions are investigated. Actually the paper guides the reader towards the discovery of the ultimate indivisible functional elements. The novel approach here proposed focuses on how functions act on flow or in other words on the physics, chemistry, mechanics of each function. This strategy inverts the standard approach, descriptive and taxonomic, usually followed in Functional Analysis. The evidence of the existence of more elementary elements than functions is provided with a series of examples. The paper ends with a research agenda in several fields of application.

Keywords: Functional Analysis, Functional Breakdown, Augmented Functional Basis

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